Lucama, N.C. — The annual Thanksgiving Classic race at Southern National Raceway Park yielded $3,000 to help local tornado victims, Becky Boone, the manager at the Lucama track said Monday.

Race fans were asked to bring canned food to the Wilson County track to help victims of the Nov. 15 tornadoes that struck five counties and killed two people.

Tornado survivors were offered free tickets to the race.

The event featured a silent auction of items donated by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and allowed for  monetary donations.

Teresa Batten, whose Wilson County home was ripped apart by the tornado, attended the race.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Batten said.

Batten’s home is now set for demolition.

Boone added that she expects the total raised to increase as donations flow in by mail through the week.

Donations for tornado-victim relief can also be sent to:

American Red Cross
801 S. Third St.
Smithfield, N.C. 27577

Checks should include "Wilson-Johnston tornado" in the memo line to make sure the donation goes directly to the cause.